Holidays Afloat has been sending Sydneysiders up the Hawkesbury for decades, and the formula holds: pick up a boat at Brooklyn, idle out past Dangar Island, and let the river decide the itinerary. The family-run fleet rates 4.7 stars across 185 reviews.
★ 4.7 · 185 Google reviews (correct at the time of writing, July 2026)
Property photo via Google Maps
On the water
Boats range from two-berth weekenders to ten-berth family ships, all driveable without a licence after the handover briefing. Regulars swear by winter — glassy water, empty anchorages and pelicans as the only neighbours.
Around the river
Cowan Creek’s sandstone coves, Patonga’s beach pub and Dangar Island’s roadless village lanes are all within a lazy day’s cruise — the Hawkesbury remains Sydney’s best-kept weekend escape, one hour from town.
Header image shows the surrounding Byron Bay region — see the property’s website for accommodation photos. Rates, availability and inclusions are set by the property.
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